FBI, CIA: "Threat Justified"

FBI Director Robert Mueller told a Senate panel Tuesday that the greatest threat inside the United States comes from Al Qaeda cells that have still not been identified.

CIA Director George Tenet said there was good reason to raise the threat level to high last week.

"The intelligence is not idle chatter, on the part of terrorists or their associates," Tenet said. "It is the most specific we have seen and it is consistent of both our knowledge of Al Qaeda's doctrine and our knowledge of plots in this network, and particularly, its senior leadership has been working for years."

Tenet and Meuller said their agencies are far better prepared to detect and prevent terrorist attacks than they were before Sept. 11.

Meanwhile, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency has suggestions of things to do to protect yourself against possible terrorism.

Residents should have three days worth of drinking water and food, such as canned items.

Keep some cash on hand.

Have fresh batteries for flashlights and radios.

Make sure you have a first aid kit and a small camp stove or generator is also recommended.

wtok.com: Extended Web Coverage

Homeland Security Advisory System Recommendations for Families

Severe – Red

Complete recommended actions at lower levels

Listen to radio/TV for current information/instructions

Be alert to suspicious activity and report it to proper authorities immediately

Contact business/school to determine status of work/school day

Adhere to any travel restrictions announced by local governmental authorities

Be prepared to shelter in place or evacuate if instructed to do so by local governmental authorities

Discuss children’s fears concerning possible/actual terrorist attacks

High – Orange

Complete recommended actions at lower levels

Be alert to suspicious activity and report it to proper authorities

Review disaster plan with all family members

Ensure communication plan is understood/practiced by all family members

Exercise caution when traveling

Have shelter in place materials on hand and understand procedure

Discuss children’s fears concerning possible terrorist attacks

If a need is announced, donate blood at designated blood collection center

Elevated – Yellow

Complete recommended actions at lower levels

Be alert to suspicious activity and report it to proper authorities

Ensure disaster supplies kit is stocked and ready

Check telephone numbers and e-mail addresses in your family emergency communication plan and update as necessary

If not known to you, contact school to determine their emergency notification and evacuation plans for children

Develop alternate routes to/from school/work and practice them

Guarded – Blue

Complete recommended actions at lower levels

Be alert to suspicious activity and report it to proper authorities

Review stored disaster supplies and replace items that are outdated

Develop an emergency communication plan that all family members understand

Establish an alternate meeting place away from home with family/friends

Low – Green

Complete recommended actions at lower levels

Develop a personal disaster plan and disaster supplies kit

Take a Red Cross CPR/AED and first aid course

Source: http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/hsas.html (The American Red Cross Web Site) contributed to this report

Online Public Information File

Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or fccinfo@fcc.gov.